Sidney officials discuss putting traffic light at intersection of Pole Creek and Fort Sidney road

SIDNEY, NE — City officials took the first step into putting a traffic light at an intersection with a history of accidents at their city council meeting Tuesday night.

The Sidney City Council approved a measure to conduct an engineering and traffic study at the intersection of Pole Creek Crossing and Fort Sidney Road. 

Police Chief Joe Aikens told the city council there have been eight crashes at the intersection since 2016. After the most recent accident at the crossroads, city officials received calls from residents asking why there is no traffic light there.

Officials are uncertain if a traffic light at the intersection was in the original plans when Pole Creek Crossing was constructed.

The engineering and traffic study is the first step to installing a light in the area. State officials will take a look at the amount of traffic, layout and accident history of the intersection to see if it warrants a traffic light.

The study will cost the city about $3,000-$5,000.